SST 504 Human Behavior and Sustainability
This course examines the psychological and social dimensions of sustainability and environmental change, focusing on how human behavior, values, emotions, identities, and social norms influence ecological decision-making and sustainability transitions.
Drawing on perspectives from environmental psychology, social psychology, behavioral studies, and sustainability studies, students explore the factors that shape public attitudes toward climate change, consumption, environmental responsibility, and collective action. Topics include risk perception, behavioral change, environmental identity, social norms, emotions and eco-anxiety, political polarization, communication strategies, and barriers to sustainable behavior.
The course also investigates how sustainability initiatives can be designed to foster participation, cooperation, and long-term societal transformation across diverse cultural and political contexts. Through case studies and applied exercises, students critically evaluate the relationship between individual behavior, social systems, and environmental governance.
As part of the interdisciplinary structure of the program, the course connects behavioral perspectives to sustainability economics, environmental humanities, governance, communication, and design-based approaches to societal change.
Offered
Fall